Liquid and vapor separator



' Ap@ w; ma@ A I mgm@ H. Ge NEVITT LIQUID AND VAPOR SEPARATOR Filed Jan. 8, 1921 )Patented Apr. l?, i923.

V Lasarte saar para..

an stares` HENRY G'.I NEVT'I', OF TAMPICO, MEXICO. y

mama am: varon. snraaa'fros.

To all lwhom it may concern.'

Be it known that'l, HENRY Gr. Nnvrrr, a citizen of the' United States, residing in Tampico, Mexico, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Liquid and Vapor Separators, of which the following is a specification.

Some of the objects of the present invention are to provide means for economically and efficiently 'separating gases and vapors from oils or other liquids; to provide means whereby, in the separation of gases orvapols from oils or other liquids, the released gases or vapors escape as soon as .possible without passing through the liquid from which they have been removed.; to provide an apparatus wherein gases or vapors of the is caused to traverse a `to provide other improvements as will herer lower boiling point fractions or portions when heated are freelyI released as a gas yorvapor and escape while substantially none of the liquid from which'such gases or vapors are separatedv is entrained with a'nd mechanically carried away with such gases or vapors; .to-provide improved means for separating gases and vapors from a liquid whereby some of the liquid is spread out into the form of a film, then brought together again into a more compact mass, and. then respread; to provide in a separator means for causing a predetermined portion of .the mixture to be -sparated to move as a film over a given su different path; and

inafter appear.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 represents a sectional Aelevation of a separator embodying one form of the present ine vention; Fig. 2 represents a section on line wel 15 or'receiving the oil or other liquid after it has passed through the separator.

An outlet 16 permits the oil or other collected liquids in the,well 15 to be drawn off from time to time, or continuously, by a suitable level regulating means. A flanged ace while another portion l'ering while another predetermined part of the Application iled January 8, 1921. Serial No. 435,884.

ring 17 is rigidly secured tothe base portion of the casing 10 to form a support for the casing and its parts.

For admitting the oil or other liquidwith its contained vapors to be separated, the

top portion of the casing 1() is provided with one or more inlet openings `20 in register with an external threaded collar 21 andv an internal threaded collar 22, the former serving to secure a pipe from a source of liquid supply and the latter to secure a nipple23 which is connected by a lcoupling 24 with a delivery pipe 25. In the present instance there are tw o inlet openings 20 arranged as labove described and the respective nipples 23 and pipes 25 extend substantially horizontal and radially of the casing 10. The inner ends of the pipes 25 are rigidly connected to a common tubular fitting 26 having` an annular passage 27 in free communication with the delivery pipes 25 and encircling an axially disposed passage 28. The outlet end of the passage 27 is downwardly turned and outwardly flared forming two circumferential spaced ends 30 and 31, the former supporting a rigid cone shaped shield 32 and the latter supporting a rigid cone shaped distributing plate 33. Thel diameter of the late 33 is, preferably,

vgreater than the dlameter of .the shield ,32

but less than the internal diameter of the casing 10 to form an annular opening 34. By this construction the initially released gas E)passes upwardly around .the edge ofthe shield 32, and the mixture of 'oil or other liquid with Aits vapor content flows over the edge of the distributor plate 33, and passes downward through the opening 34, impinges upon the wallof .the casing 10, and a predetermined part of the mixture falls as a film contacting with and covvthe inner surface of the casing 10,

mixture falls upon a deflector 35.

This defleetor 35 is of annular, truncated form, the walls of which Aconverge downwardly to provide anY inclined surface of relatively short length to guide the predetermined portion of the body of oil upon the upper of a vertical `serles of coaxial downwardly converging bazilies 36. The outer circumferential edge of the deflector 35 is in relatively close proximity to the inner wall of the casingl 10, being supported in and coaxially wit the casing 10 by angle lugs 37 spaced around and fixedly secured to the casing 10, thereby providing a substantially unobstructed annular opening 40 through which a definite portion of the oil descending from the outer edge of the distributor 33 passes to form a thin substantially cylindrical film of oil moving downwardly upon the inner wall of the casing 10. By substituting for the deflector 35 a similar deflector having a different diameter, eitherlarger or smaller, the size of the annular opening 4() may be varied to meet various conditions, such as viscosity, grade of oil, and size of separator, so that the dimensions ofthe openingT 4() may alwaysbe proportioned pass a predetermined definite desired portion of the oil or liquid. i

Each of the baffles 36 is of inverted frustro conical shape having an upper circumferential flange 41 spaced from and centered in the casing by a plurality of clips 42 fixedly secured to the bafiie 36 and seating against, but, preferably, not secured to the casing 10. rthis flange 41 encircles the discharge end of the deflector but is arranged to leave an annular passage 43 between the casing 10 and the fiange 41 to permit free flow of the downwardly moving oil film upon the inner wall of the casing and the upward flow of released gas or vapor. The lower end of each baflle 36, except the bottom one, carries a plurality of clips 44 which seat upon a downwardly diverging cone bafi'le 45 having its upper end fixed to a nipple 46 and itslower end terminating in an upwardly and. angularly disposed flange preferably formed of a plurality of serrations or teeth 47 to assist in breaking up the mixture after aspreading action and increasing the mixing or eddying effect. This toothed flange 47 is arranged so that the oil overflowing its edges falls within the liange 41 of the next lower bafiie 36, and thus continues a tortuous flow over as manyv baflies as are found necessary to produce the desired separation. In view of the duplication of the construction, these baffles and their adjuncts are identifie-d with like reference numerals respectively, and it will be understood the invention is not' limited either as to the number of the bafiies 36 or as to the exact construction here shown by way of' example. It should be noted, however, that the lowermost bafiie 36 differs from the other baffles in that it is centrally secured to the lowermost nipple 46 and is provided with openings or ports 47 arranged to deliver the residual oil to the well 15.

For carrying oil the separated gas an eduction pipe is provided comprising, in the present instance. a plurality of pipe sections 50 united to form a continuous conduit b v connection .with the respective nipples 46, the upper yend section thereof being Secured to the fitting 26 in register with. the

bafi'les`36 to thereby provide annular coaxial openings 51 for the free flow of the liquid from one ba-flie to the next lower. The respective pipe sections 50 are provided with' one or more openings 52 located well withinthe cone baffles so that separated gas collecting beneath the several cone baffles 45 has free outlet to the interior of the eduction ipe.

p As a further means for permitting the escape of the separated gas from the casing 10, one or more outlets 53 are provided in the casing 10, communicating with the space beneath the uppermost bafiie 36 and each registering with an `inwardly disposed nipple 54. In the present instance, two such outlets 53 are provided at opposite sides respectively of the casing 10, each being arranged to discharge into a pipe which leads to the collecting receptacle for the' gases. The nipples 54 divert the downwardly {iowing film mixture past the outlets 53 so that the escaping gas does not pass through the falling liquid. The gases which separate from the oil lm on the casing wall rise vertically parallel to'the wall and in close proximity thereto, thus passing the outer edges of the series of baffles and escape by way of the nipples 54 and the outlets 53. The gases passing upwardly through the pipe escape to the collecting chamber 13 from which the outlet 14 leads to a suitable receiving receptacle.

In the operation of the apparatus the' liquid to be separated. such as oil and vapor, either a mechanical mixture or a solution of the vapor in the liquid, enters the casing 10 by way of the openings 20 and pipes 25, being delivered at the inner ends of the latter to the annular passage 27. Leaving the passage 27 the liquid is distributed and spread radially by the plate 33 while it flows downward to be discharged` over the lower edge of the plate 33, in contact with the casing walls; Continuing its flow, the liquid meets the deflector 35 whereby a denite portion passes the edge of the deflector 35, without cha-nge of direction, while another definite portion of the liquid changes its course. being directed inward and then downward to fall upon the first baffle 36. Those gases which separate during this period rise beneath the distributor plate 33 and find escape ythrough `the pipe openings 52 to the collecting chamber 13. The mass of the liquid .is then directed downward and radially inward to the openings 51, thus bringing a fresh portion of the g iquid again Hows downwar Maaate `mixture to the surface and releasing further as or vapor. Leaving the -by the circumferential Harige 41, and again f flows downward but radially inward. The efl'ect of the serrations or teeth 47 is to assist in breakingl up the mixture after a l spreadingaction and increase-the mixing or eddving effect. The tortuous flow continues until the last baiiie 36 is reached, when the residual oil or liquid passes through the openings 48 and is collected in the well 15.

During the travel of the liquid over the bales with the alternate spreading and gathering action, gas o1' vapor separates and rises beneath the respective baffles to escape to the pipe 50 by way of the respective open- 1n s ing action a thin lm of the liquid is flowing down the inner walls of the casing l0, passing successively throughl the annular passages 43. and continuouslyv releasing gas .or vapor which rises vertically and escapes through the outlets 53,.the nipples 54 preventing the gases or vapor passing through the liquid, l,

llt will be understood that' in the foregoing the term liquid is used in a general sense but is to apply to the. mixture whether it is thick or thin as to its consistency, or whether it is inthe form of foam or froth, and the invention is not to be restricted in any way by the use of the term generally.

From the foregoing it will be noted that separation of gases or vapors from an oil' dlt or other liquid takes place from a relatively thin film of the liquid moving continuously in one direction and also from a moving bodyy of liquid pursuing a dierent path during which the oil or liquid is alternately spread laterally. brought together again and respread. This bringing together or gathering changes the molecular relation and brings other molecules to the surface so that the less volatile gases orv vapors are released, While any and all separated gases or vapors pass upwardly and are removed as soon 'as possible without passing through the {iowing liquids. ln consequence there is substantially no reabsorption of separated gases or vapors. The apparatus is particularly effective in the separation `of dlssolved and included gas from petroleum in that the gas is so quickly released and carried od that the amount of light petroleum fractions absorbed bythe gas is reduced to a minimum and no oil is entrained or mechanically carried away in the gas. As a feature of the complete separation, the vapor released is promptly removed from the presenceof the liquid so that reabsorption is prevented.

Further attention is directed to the sub-` 52. Simultaneously with this separatdivision of the mixture of gas or vapor and liquid, as it passes throufgh the separator,

into two distinct paths, each of which carries a predetermined portion of the mixture, one portion being subjected to one separating action while the other is subjected to a different separating action. y The gases 0r and escape without passing through the liquid flowing in either of the paths.

Furthermore by initially dividing the liquid into two portions, the apparatus becomes more adaptable to particular conditions, while the capacity of the apparatus is doubled. As the casing is the most expensive part of the apparatus the cost of separating can bermaterlally reduced because half the ordinary sized casing can be-employed with the present system while maintaining the same eficient results. Also a film separation is in some liquids more effective than the spreading and converging se aration,in which case the amount of liqui owing as a film can be substantially increased until equall eiicient gas releasing eilects are' obtaine `from the two portions travelling different paths.

Having now full described my invention, what l claim and esire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a separator, a casing, means for delivering a liquid and gaseous or vapor mix- 'vapors separated from either portion rise ture thereto to flow by gravity therethrough, v

2. ln a separator, a casing, means for dei livering a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture thereto to iow by gravity therethrough,

means for spreading a portion of said flowing mixture, means for periodically bringing said portion together again and respreading said portion, and escape means for gases or vapors-separated from said liquid, said means being arranged to carry said gases or vapor away from the path of said iiowing liquid without remixing with said liquid.

3. In a separator, a casing, means for delivering a liquid and gaseous or' vapor mixture thereto to flow by gravity therethrough, means for spreading a portion of said mixture, means for bringing said portion together again, a deiector for causing another tion of said liquid to flow out of the pat of said spreading means, and escape means for gases or vapors separated from said liquid, said means being arranged to carry said gases or vapors away from the path of both portions of said owing liqui 4. In a separator, arousing, means for delivering a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture thereto to flow by gravity therethrough,` means for causing a predetermined portion of said liquid to change its direction of flow while the remainder flows unchanged as to direction, and escape means for gases or vapors separated from said liquid, said means being arranged to carry said gases or vapors away from the path of both portions of said flowing liquid.

5. lin a separator, a casing, an inlet pipe for a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture arranged to discharge within said casing, means to cause a definite portion of said mixture to flow as a film in contact with the inner wall of said casing, means to cause the remaining portion to flow ina tortuous path, and escape means for gas or vapor separated from said mixture, said escape means being arranged to carry said gases or vapors away from the path of both portions of said fiowing liquid.

6. in a separator, a casing, an inlet pipe for a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture arranged to discharge within said casing, means to cause a definite portion of said 'mixture to flow as a film in contact with the inner wall of said casing, means to cause the remainingvportion to flow in a tortuous path, escape means for gases and vapors separated from said tortuous fiowing mixture, and separate escape means for gases and vapors separated from said wall film portion.

7. in a separator, a casing, an inlet pipe for a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture arranged to discharge within said casing,

`means to cause a definite portion of said mixture to How as a film in contact with the inner wall of said casing, means to cause the remaining portion to flow 1n a tortuous path, escape means for gases and vapors i separated from said tortuous Howing mixture, and separate escape -means for gases and vapors separated from said wall film portion, all of said escape means being arranged to carry said gases and vapors away from the path of both portions of said flowing mixture.

8. in a separator, a casing, an inlet pipe for liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture arranged to discharge within said casing for gravity flow, and a deflector located inthe path of the moving liquid and spaced a predetermined distance from the inner wall of said casing, said deflector being arranged to direct a predetermined portion of said mixture away from the wall of said casing while a definite predetermined portion of said mixture flows by gravity in contact with said wall.

path of the moving liquid and spaced a predetermined distance from the inner wall of said casing, said deflector being arranged to direct a predetermined portion of said mixture away from the wall of said casing while a definite predetermined portion of said mixture flows by gravity in contact with said wall, and means below said defiector for causing said one portion of said mixture to traverse a tortuous path.

10. ln a separator,'a casing, a device for delivering a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture thereto to flow by gravity therethrough, means for subdividing said mixture into two portions, one flowing in one direction and the other flowing in another direction, and means for subjecting one fiowing portion to a separating action different from the other portion. 11. In a separator, a casing, a device for delivering a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture thereto to flow by gravity therethrough, means for subdividing said mixture into two portions, one flowing continuously in the same direction and the other fiowing in several different directions, and means for subjecting one flowing portion to a scparating action different from the other portion.

12. In a separator, a casing, a device for delivering a liquid and gaseous or vapor mixture thereto toflow by gravity therethrough, means for subdividing said mixture into two portions, one iiowing in one drection and the other flowing in another direction, means for subjecting one flowing portion to a separating action different from the other portion, and escape means for the separated gas or vapor arranged to carry said gases or vapors out ofthe path of said liquid flowing portions.

13. In a separator, a casing, a device for delivering a; liquid and gaseous or vapor mixtureV thereto to flow by gravity therethrough, means for subdividing said mixture into two portions, one flowing continuously in the same direction and the other flowing in several different directions, means for subjecting one flowing portion to a separating action different from the other portion, and escape means for the separated gas or vapor arran ed to carry said gases or vapors out of t e path of said liquid mixture into two portions, one flowing in one direction and the other flowing in another direction, and means for subjecting oneflowing portion to a separating action different from the other portion.

Signed at 120 Broadway,New York,N. Y., this thirtieth day of December, 1920.

HENRY e. Navire n 

